Location: Markham, Ontario

Job Description:

What is the role?

The Category Analyst provides analysis and assisting in the introduction of new products and reviews, supporting all aspects of the administration of marketing/promotional activities and preparing store communications. The Category Analyst provides strong & effective exchange of information between Vendors, Marketing, Inventory Management, Visual Merchandising, all support groups and the stores. Success in this role will require a highly organized, detail-oriented, excellent communicator who can effectively collaborate cross-departmentally, who is solutions-oriented and who thrives in a high-tempo, dynamic and changing environment.

What will you do?

• Manage all aspects of new item setup and item maintenance. This includes vendor data, life cycle and listing types, item descriptions, web info and appropriate duty classification & import permits are in place
• Collect and complete New Product Listing forms
• Generate reports concerning item performance and provides recommendations to Category Manager and Vendors concerning possible changes or improvements
• Collaborate with Marketing & Category Manager to execute marketing/promotional activities e.g., promotional schedule, samples, fulfillment of vendor support agreements, shelf talkers and product imagery
• Assist the Category Manager with evaluations of cost changes and review of cost change templates
• Coordinate all levels of pricing with the Pricing Team, preparing cost change templates, promotional pricing and clearance pricing
• In collaboration with Inventory Management, provides new product and promotional forecasting and solutions to service level/fill rate issues
• Prepare store communications for new products, promotions and sales information
• Coordinate product samples and content for the monthly store Call-to-Action
• Assist in design and communication of planograms to store teams
• Maintain image database
• Complete and archive Purchase Agreements
• Produce new product launch and product knowledge training presentations
• Work cross functionally with web site team to ensure correct product content, copy and images
• Handles vendor questions/issues/problems on an as needed basis
• Perform general administration and other duties and projects as assigned
• Review Monthly Obsolete, Write off, Red Sticker and Excess reports

What will you need to succeed?

Education and Experience

• 2-5 years supporting a purchasing/buying department, preferably in retail
• Post Secondary education with a focus in Business/Retail or Marketing and Communications

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong organizational skills plus sense of urgency
• Very customer-service oriented
• Attention to detail along with excellent follow-up skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to adapt to constant changes in priorities
• Demonstrated strong knowledge and experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with vendors and colleagues, including Senior Management
• Demonstrated strong knowledge and experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

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